Day Two: Blueberry pancakes and headwinds.

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After loading up on omelets, walnut and blueberry pancakes at the Hyatt, we rolled out to begin day 2!! Today’s ride started out with an epic 20 mile, gradual climb out of Valencia and through Bouquet Canyon. Little known outside of local circles, this beautiful climb is loaded with flora and fauna, unique to this canyon in California. However, it’s a very delicate and dry ecosystem and is constantly threatened by the quickly developing area. It’s a great ride if you’re in the area…check it out!! Unfortunately, after all that climbing, it was only a short descent as we’d arrived on the high desert plateau of Southern California. We said goodbye to trees…well, all but the Joshua Tree, which while beautiful, are a little lacking in the shade department. The temperature started to climb and the winds picked up as the afternoon proved to be a challenging effort for everyone. After grabbing some dinner, everyone headed to bed to get rested for tomorrow’s ride.

-Nate Lohmeir, TT Guide